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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Massanari named to preseason team
Georgia senior catcher Bryce Massanari has been named to the 2009 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Preseason All-America Second Team, it was announced Tuesday.

Debt load could force Charter into bankruptcy
Charter Communications, which provides cable and Internet services to more than 30,000 customers in Clarke and Oconee counties, faces a huge debt load that could force it into bankruptcy, according to credit ratings agency Moody’s Investors Service.

Pedestrians robbed on East Athens path
An Athens man and his friend were robbed of a video game console Sunday night as they walked on a trail off Washington Drive in East Athens, Athens-Clarke police said.

Student charged with prescription forgery
Officers arrested a University of Georgia student Monday evening after he tried to buy medication at a Westside pharmacy with forged prescriptions, Athens-Clarke police said.

Cell phone thief interrupts chat
A woman was talking on her cell phone in the driveway of her home in the 500 block of Reese Street early Monday when a man grabbed the phone and a wallet from her pocketbook, Athens-Clarke police said.

Police suspicious of rolling TV salesmen
Burglars kicked in the back door of an apartment on Fourth Street between 7:40 and 10:06 a.m. Monday and stole a TV valued at $1,499, Athens-Clarke police said.

Pharmacist spots bogus prescription
An Atlanta man tried to buy pain medication at an Athens drug store Sunday afternoon, but the pharmacist recognized the prescription was forged and called the police.

Auto entered at Westside eatery
Thieves broke the window of a car at Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, 3666 Atlanta Highway, between 5 and 8:40 p.m. Monday and stole a compact disc player and CDs with a total value of $1,660, Athens-Clarke police said.

Bad brake lights lead to drug bust
Officers stopped a car Sunday afternoon on Simmons Street in East Athens because its brake lights didn't work, and they arrested a passenger on drug and other charges after he gave officers a name they knew was false, Athens-Clarke police said.

Jewelry, electronics taken by burglars
Burglars kicked in the back door of a home in the 200 block of Martin Circle between 6:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday and stole jewelry, video games and a compact disc burner with a total value of $2,810, Athens-Clarke police said.

Wheels stolen from parked car
An Athens man reported rims valued at $1,500 were stolen from his car while it was parked in the 100 block of Sir Matthew Road between 11 p.m. Saturday and 3:45 p.m. Sunday, Athens-Clarke police said.

Man mugged while returning to motel
An Alpharetta man was walking early Tuesday from downtown toward Travel Lodge, 898 W. Broad St., when two men jumped and robbed him of his wallet and cell phone with a total value of $131, Athens-Clarke police said.

Vending machines hit by thieves
Three men jimmied the locks of vending machines at Athens Regional Medical Center, 1199 Prince Ave., between 3:45 and 4 a.m. Monday and took about $1,500 in cash, Athens-Clarke police said.

Georgia's ringers for Ringer
Scout team players live a lonely existence. They're virtually unknown beyond the locker room and underappreciated off the practice field. But they provide a vital service because they imitate the opposition and give the front-liners their first look at what they will face in a game.

Notebook: Ball out in UTC search
Georgia running backs coach Tony Ball confirmed Tuesday that he is out of the running for the head coaching job at his alma mater, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Barkley: Race factor in AU decision
AUBURN, Ala. - Charles Barkley was pulling for Auburn to hire Turner Gill as football coach long before Gene Chizik emerged publicly as a candidate for the job.

Hoke accepts job at San Diego State
MUNCIE, Ind. - Ball State coach Brady Hoke has resigned to accept the same position at San Diego State. Ball State president Jo Ann Gora said Monday the school wanted to keep Hoke at his alma mater.

Paterno extends through 2011
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Penn State coach Joe Paterno has a new three-year contract extension to go along with his new hip.

Brian Kemp: Heroism worth front-page story
Thanks so much for the great Friday story about an Athens native and American hero, Army Capt. Brandon Griffin, receiving the Silver Star for braving machine-gun and rocket fire during August 2005 battles with insurgents in Afghanistan (Story, "Athens native to receive Army Silver Star").

Diana Hartle: CLRs are a clear success
I would like to extend a huge thank you to those responsible for designing the Cigarette Litter Receptacles now in use in downtown Athens. Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful recently received a national award for the initiation of this collaborative project, as well as for its part in the design and use of the CLRs.

Jeff Hubbard: Shipp needs some schooling
There goes Bill Shipp again, irrationally making a statement about how every Georgia teacher - or, as he refers to educators, "nitwit" - is against any type of education reform (Column, "Third rail of education reform won't come to Georgia," Wednesday).

John Kissane: Don't judge a man by his wheels
No doubt J. Paul Clark is correct when he says in a recent letter to the editor that some in our community would benefit from improved financial management skills (Random Thoughts, "No more bling," Sunday). But the tone of Clark's letter makes it clear he believes many of the working poor in fact are not poor, they just have misplaced priorities and a lack of good sense.

David, Dawn Meyers: Support kids in school zoning
The Thursday night decision by the Clarke County Board of Education to redraw Clarke County elementary school attendance areas into neighborhood zones is admittedly going to make life stressful and difficult for many involved - students, parents, teachers and administrators.

Joe Ward: Santas for seniors earn thanks
Thanks to the Banner-Herald for the Dec. 9 story on Home Instead Senior Care's annual "Be A Santa To A Senior" program. I'd like to explain more about the program and about who has led the volunteer efforts behind it.

The Grinch welcomes Christmas
Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot. They could have stayed warm and toasty in their beds. But instead they did not.

The You Docs healthy Christmas guide
When it comes to making everyone on your gift list happy, you can do better than wine or Prozac. Well, maybe not, but you can give gifts that keep giving.

Goggin: Beware elf trio
Yesterday, I awoke to shrieks of laughter and the pounding of little feet up and down the stairs. Being a school morning, this was most unusual, especially since I'm the one who rouses the troops.

The Dish: Thai 'Cozy,' just like mom used to make
We are well acquainted with the manipulative term home-cookin'. Used initially by soul-food joints and meat-and-threes, the notion was co-opted by folksy restaurant chains and mall-based cafeterias, most of which served food in the exact style of our grandmas, but without all the blessed heart. As many of us grew up, we silently strayed, no longer trusting that phrase with the affected apostrophe, and so were left to come across heartfelt food elsewhere.

Curry lowers high blood pressure
I accidentally learned that turmeric could help reduce my high blood pressure. It went from 160/80 to 140/60 after eating an Indian meal of curry.

Pudding good to the last lick
I know this is over the top, but I was at a potluck recently and the hit of the dessert table was a bread pudding made with Krispy Kreme donuts. We fought over who would get to lick the dish. I asked at the Krispy Kreme store and they had no idea what I was talking about. Can you come up with a recipe? I'd like to have this for Christmas morning.

Officials host groundbreaking for Agriculture Center near school
The excavator's powerful diesel engine roared and its scoop reached out. In just seconds a rock and brick chimney - the last vestige of an old farmhouse - crumbled to the Earth in a cloud of dust on a piece of cleared land on the outskirts of Danielsville.

Cloverleaf 4-H team wins awards at event
Twenty-four members of the Madison County Cloverleaf 4-H program recently won awards at the District Project Achievement event held at Rock Eagle 4-H Education Center near Eatonton.

Lights of Booger Hill shine during Christmas
For most people, the holiday season welcomes traditions and creates memories. For many Madison County residents, they look forward to a local tradition that has been drawing huge crowds from across Northeast Georgia for more than 20 years.

Around Madison: Holiday show at Friendship
The Friendship Baptist Church Choir of Danielsville will present the Christmas Musical "Emmanuel - Celebrating Heaven's Child" under the direction of Billy Jones at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Liz Durrett builds beautiful songs
Liz Durrett released her most recent record, "Outside Our Gates," with local label Warm Electronic Recordings in September. It's an album that drips with Southern gothic, packed with slow, meditative ballads that unravel as gracefully as a skipping stone.

Filmmaker tells story of indie band's final days
There are times in life when fate clearly steps in. For Los Angeles filmmaker Matthew Buzzell, it happened in Athens. He'd earned an undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, then did some work in acting, but it wasn't quite the creative pursuit he was looking for.

Madonna settles divorce for $76M
LONDON - Madonna has settled her divorce with ex-husband Guy Ritchie by also parting with at least $76 million, the singer's spokeswoman said Monday.

Bush administration assures Detroit automakers
WASHINGTON - The White House gave troubled Detroit automakers public reassurances Monday that short-term government help was in the works as a key senator suggested the aid package could reach $15 billion for two companies.

Oglethorpe rec workers charged in thefts
Authorities arrested the Oglethorpe County Recreation Department director, the grounds supervisor and a part-time worker on charges of stealing concession-stand receipts and gasoline from the county over 10 months this year.

Debt load could force Charter into bankruptcy
Charter Communications, which provides cable and Internet services to more than 30,000 customers in Clarke and Oconee counties, faces a huge debt load that could force it into bankruptcy, according to credit ratings agency Moody’s Investors Service.

A-C police now looking into abuse
Athens-Clarke police began Monday to investigate whether a 12-year-old's parents tortured the boy in a local hotel before they moved to Bogart three weeks ago.

Lanes reopen this afternoon on busy Oak Street
Work crews reopened two lanes on busy Oak Street near Carr's Hill in East Athens at about 4:30 this afternoon, but work will resume Wednesday morning, a technician for the Athens-Clarke Transportation and Public Works Department said.

Fare fight a boon for local fliers
The two airlines serving Athens-Ben Epps Airport are locked in a dogfight, vying to win passengers in a price war that has driven ticket prices ever lower - with some flights now being offered for free.

Plant jobs on hold for a week
Power Partners, which employs 450 people making electric transformers and solar water heater systems, closed its Newton Bridge Road plant for a week to help offset the effects of a bad economy.

Judge's ruling could block plan for new hospital
A ruling Barrow County Superior Court Judge Robert Adamson issued Monday may block Gainesville-based Northeast Georgia Regional Medical Center from building a 100-bed satellite hospital near Braselton.

Gunman targets home in payback
A gunman shot into a North Athens home early Monday, apparently in retaliation for a stabbing Sunday night that left a man with a severe neck wound, Athens-Clarke police said.

Child photos lead to arrest
Local authorities have charged a man with 10 felony counts of child sexual exploitation because of pornographic images investigators found on his computer at his home in Athens.

Wrecker wrecked after drunken joy ride
A man stole a wrecker from an Athens towing company Monday and took it on a drunken joy ride that ended when the wrecker wrecked on Commerce Road, Athens-Clarke police said.

Group will run camp in Yargo State Park
Camp Twin Lakes, a nonprofit therapeutic recreation program based in Atlanta, will renovate and operate Camp Will-A-Way in Fort Yargo State Park under an agreement with the state Department of Natural Resources.

Barrow County to require park light shielding
County commissioners voted 5-1 at a called meeting Monday to reverse a decision they made Dec. 9 about light buffers around a 51-acre private baseball and softball park on Georgia Highway 211.

Lanes closing today on East Athens road
Crews will close two lanes on Oak Street near Carr's Hill in East Athens this morning to repave an area they dug up for sewer repairs, a technician for the Athens-Clarke Transportation and Public Works Department said. The Public Utilities Department's Water and Sewer Division closed the lanes for most of the day Tuesday in front of Dairy Queen for the repairs.

Deaths in the news: Leon Febres Cordero
QUITO, Ecuador - A close friend of former Ecuadorean President Leon Febres Cordero says the right-wing strongman has died at age 77 of complications from pulmonary emphysema.

Oconee actor rolls into Atlanta for elf role
For the past 10 years, Oconee County resident Harold M. Leaver has known well in advance as to what his Christmas season will shape up to be. The veteran Equity actor has played the role of Crumpet the cynical elf in David Sedaris' "The Santaland Diaries" at the Horizon Theatre in Atlanta's Little Five Points district.

Powell leads team to top honors
FFA members from Oconee, Walton and Morgan counties tested their electrical skills at the Sub-Region FFA-EMC Electrification Career Development Event held earlier this month at the at Walton Electric Membership Corporation's headquarters in Monroe.

Editorial: State's fiscal crisis might bring good news
If the fiscal program director for the National Conference of State Legislatures is right - and there's no reason to suspect she's not - Georgia's state lawmakers could find themselves forced into taking a more limited view of how much government they believe taxpayers should fund.

Editorial: Reasons to question nonprofits' grant plans
The leadership of the East Athens and Hancock Corridor development corporations, two local nonprofit groups that rely on an annual outlay of Community Development Block Grant funds, ought to be thinking - as a Saturday story in this newspaper reported they were - about their respective missions in advance of the Athens-Clarke County mayor and commission's upcoming decisions on which local nonprofits will get that money (Story, "Groups again try for grants/Made changes, both claim").

Public must be vigilant during state's legislative session
On Jan. 15, the 150th session of the Georgia General Assembly will convene in Atlanta. From that moment until the words "sine die" signal the end of the legislative session, as Mark Twain once said, "No man's life, liberty or property are safe."

Rams' Waldron shakes 'big man' stereotype
Monsignor Donovan senior Ben Waldron knew that he'd need to have a big week if his team was to snap a seven-game losing streak and get off to a good start in the GISA's Region 1-AA.

Honorable Mentions
Local high school student-athletes who stood out in their respective sports last week.

1151 Rocky Branch Farm Drive
Buyers looking for spacious living in an upscale Oconee County neighborhood will love this five-bedroom home with a finished basement that includes a full kitchen.

No-maintenance living in Oconee County
Oconee County's serene Triple Creek neighborhood features the best in beautifully finished patio homes. Beautiful brick and hardiplank exteriors partnered with full landscaping services make Triple Creek the low-maintenance living option that you've been looking for.

150-year-old home with daylight apartment!
Located on the edge of downtown and only three blocks from The University of Georgia, this 150-year-old home on Finley Street is the perfect fit for buyers seeking an authentic Athens experience.

1100 Rowan Oak Circle
For exceptional value in luxury living, look no further than this five-bedroom beauty located in the exclusive Rowan Oak swim/tennis community.

1520 Cleveland Road
Homeowners wanting a woodland retreat loaded with amenities and only minutes from shopping and dining in Athens must see this custom-built Lindal cedar home beautifully situated on 19 acres.

1151 Oconee Crossing Circle
Buyers looking for spacious living in an upscale Oconee County swimming community will love this immaculate home in Oconee Crossing.

Big, colorful flowers aren't that hard to grow
If you're a first time homeowner, listen up. If you think you can't grow fabulous flowers, read on. If past failures have made you throw your hands up and retreat from gardening in general, get ready to rumble. There's a secret to great big bold flowers.

855 Parkview Drive
Buyers looking for an authentic Victorian home with artisan appeal will love this Queen Anne-style estate privately located on 5.5 scenic acres.

Hannah Heights
In the heart of the fastest growing area of Madison County is the area's newest subdivision, Hannah Heights. Drive out and take a look at these new "Everything Included" Craftsman-style homes.

Who Are the Seniors Real Estate Specialists®?
Elizabeth Thurmond has successfully completed the education program and has received the Seniors Real Estate Specialists® designation. SRES® are REALTORS® qualified to address the needs of home buyers and sellers age 50+.

Matt Thomas & Atlas Sponsor Holiday Food/Toy Drive
Matt Thomas, principal and licensed Realtor with Atlas Real Estate Advisors, is hosting a food/toy drive and pics with Santa at his holiday open house on Sunday December 14th from noon until 5pm at MadiSun Park Subdivision in Danielsville, GA.

Athens Area Association of REALTORS® Sponsors Toy Drive
The Athens Area Association of REALTORS® (AAAR) is holding a Toy Drive through December 16, 2008 to benefit Toys For Tots. The Athens Area Association of REALTORS® has supported the Toys for Tots Program for many years.

Athens Area Homeless Shelter 5th Annual Harvest for the Homeless
The Athens Area Homeless Shelter will hold its Fifth Annual Harvest for the Homeless tonight, Sunday November 23, 2008, at the Foundry Park Inn Ballroom from 5 pm until 7:30 pm. The evening's events include a Silent Auction, an Acoustic performance by The Modern Skirts, Hors d'oeuvres, Cash Bar and our Grand Prize drawing for 52 gift certificates to local restaurants!

Cindy Karp Realty Agents Attend GRI-1
Cindy Karp, the Broker of Cindy Karp Realty is proud to announce that John Morrison , Associate Broker and Jason Clemmons both completed GRI-1.Having earned that designation herself many years ago, she understands the importance of this program and actively supports the completion of this designation.

McNabb leads Eagles over Browns
PHILADELPHIA - Written off last month, the resurgent Philadelphia Eagles are making a strong playoff push. Donovan McNabb threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns, Asante Samuel scored on an interception return and the Eagles beat the struggling Cleveland Browns 30-10 on Monday night for their third straight victory.

Tie makes things simple for Eagles
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Eagles don't have to worry about head-to-head or division records, strength of schedule, net points in conference games or any of those confusing tiebreakers.

Stinchcomb named Saints' Man of the Year
NEW ORLEANS - After several years of serving the community with educational programs in local schools, a dedication to visiting area hospitals and the creation of an offseason youth football camp, former University of Georgia offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb of Lilburn, Ga., has been honored as the 2008 New Orleans Saints Walter Payton Man of the Year. The award - among the most prestigious in the NFL - is voted on by members of the media, Saints front office staff and local non-profit and business executives.

Falcons' surprise run still on course
FLOWERY BRANCH - With two weeks and 32 games left in the NFL schedule, Atlanta coach Mike Smith isn't considering how other teams could help the Falcons' playoff hopes.

Cable fumes over hiring
ALAMEDA, Calif. - Interim Raiders coach Tom Cable lashed out at assistant offensive line coach James Cregg on Monday for leaving with two games left in the season and joining former coach Lane Kiffin's staff at Tennessee.

Theus fired by Kings
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Reggie Theus was fired as coach of the Sacramento Kings on Monday after a 6-18 start to his second season with the club.

Hawks win third straight
ATLANTA - Joe Johnson scored 18 of his 28 points in the second half to lead the Atlanta Hawks to an 83-79 victory over Charlotte on Monday night, extending the Bobcats' losing streak to seven.

Phillies sign Moyer for two more years
PHILADELPHIA - Jamie Moyer agreed Monday to a $13 million, two-year contract that keeps the 46-year-old left-hander with the World Series champion Phillies.

Woods' caddie creates dispute
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Tiger Woods said Monday he was disappointed by his caddie's disparaging comments in New Zealand newspapers about Phil Mickelson, whom Woods referred to as a "player I respect."

AFL suspends 2009 season
ORLANDO - The Arena Football League announced Monday it will suspend operations for the 2009 season due to financial problems.

Holyfield seeks to unite titles
ZURICH, Switzerland - Evander Holyfield has had his doubters over the years, from those who saw him as little more than a beefed-up cruiserweight to others who said he lacked the power to be heavyweight champion.